Finding Voice: A Poetry Workshop with Gaas Collective

Fridays | Sept 26, Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17

Time: 2:00–4:00 PM

Location: Hugo House

In-person Facilitator: Najib Abbi

Open to: Youth ages 10–15

Free

Join The Gaas Collective for a 4-week poetry workshop series designed to help youth explore identity, culture, and self-expression through poetry. Led by poet and teaching artist Najib Abbi, each session offers writing prompts, poetry readings, group discussions, and performance coaching—all in a fun, supportive environment.

This workshop is all about uplifting young voices. Whether you're brand new to poetry or already love writing, this is a space to create, connect, and be heard.

The final session on October 17 will feature a celebratory community showcase, where participants can perform their original poems for family and friends. All work created during the workshop will be considered for inclusion in a special Gaas Collective x Hugo House Youth Poetry Anthology to be distributed to participants as a tangible celebration of the creativity and hard work of the youth participants. This anthology is not a formal publication, but a meaningful keepsake honoring their voices and growth.

Limited to 20 participants. Advance registration required.

Najib Abbi

Najib Abbi is a published poet, teaching artist, and founder of The Gaas Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting voices and creativity through poetry and artistic expression. Najib leads poetry workshops where youth engage in writing and performance exercises to effectively communicate their experiences and creative ideas. His sessions combine structured prompts, collaborative discussions, and coaching on performance skills to help participants refine their writing, develop their voice, and present their work confidently in front of an audience.